The Zoo, Mount Vernon at night, and DC

For the video please click here
Wow, what a weekend and Monday!  Saturday started off with a trip to the Smithsonian Zoo.  Getting around the city is incredibly easy and beautiful.  The drive through Rock Creek Park to get to the Zoo, was breathtaking.  Massive bridges, gates, and a tree lined creek framed the drive.  The Zoo is free and the most beautiful zoo I've ever been to.  We spent three hours there and we saw half of the zoo.  No kidding.  The walk around is amazing.  It is as if you were in a botanical garden.  We saw so many mammals, reptiles, birds, etc.  This zoo is a science teacher's dream.  My daughter just loved it.  The highlight for me, as far as animals, was the panda.  I've never seen a panda in person before. My wife's favorite was the grounds of the zoo and the lioness.  My daughter loved the elephants.  A funny thing:  We had seven minutes left on our parking pass before our parking fee went up $7 at the zoo.  I looked at my wife, put my daughter on shoulders, and we ran back to the car.  It was epic.  We made it.  Also, a shout-out to my wife.  Everyday she packs a lunch for us.  It saves us tons of money and we eat very healthy at places, including the zoo.
Saturday night I was asked by the Mount Vernon Estate to help out with an event.  It was amazing.  My job was to stack glasses for people to take before they headed up to the estate.  If you know me, I'm pretty clumsy.  I am happy to report that I did not break one glass!  I had a blast.  I couldn't believe that I was working at Mount Vernon.  Then I broke down some boxes, and was able to head up to the Estate early to partake in the evening.  The Basement of the Mansion was opened. (only happens twice a year or on the National Treasure Tour)  It was cool.  In the basement there are original pavers, the root cellar, the wine cellar, and the servants dining area.  I then walked up to the piazza and took a picture with "The General" and "Lady Washington".  I went to shake George Washington's hand and he said, "I'm a Virginia Gentleman, I don't shake hands."  I said, "Sorry, Sir"  We then took a picture together, and he said "Where are you from sir?"  I said, "California".  He said, "Oh, the Wilderness.  That explains the handshake.  You want to show me you don't have a weapon."  I was cracking up.  The actors that portrayed the The General and Lady Washington have it down perfectly.  I then sat, listened to music on the piazza and ate my dinner.  I chatted with former Board Members for about an hour and headed home following the candlelight that lined the paths.  It was an incredible evening.
On Sunday, we headed to church.  It was a tremendous time.  Super small church.. 50 people.  The music was very old school.  The people were great!!!  The sermon was amazing.  The pastor was speaking on false teachers in the church.  This man is definitely gifted by God.  We chatted after church for awhile and then went home.  Definitely a highlight.
That Sunday night, I was so proud of my wife.  She volunteered to help at Mount Vernon doing the same thing as me!  She didn't break any glasses!  She throughly enjoyed herself!  My daughter and I had "Daddy/Daughter" dinner at Five Guys (not sure if I'm a fan yet), and drove to Mount Vernon.  The Estate, said I was welcome to come back and just enjoy the festivities!!  Of course. After she was done working  my wife got some food and us three enjoyed the music up at the Mansion.  You will see in the slideshow that my daughter was able to spend some time with "The General" and Lady Washington.  She LOVES the Washingtons.  She can actually name the whole family when she sees them (including the Grandkids).  The workers at the Estate cannot believe this.  Now, George Washington was an incredibly affectionate Grandfather (I've done some research).  He helped his Grandkids learn to walk on the Piazza by holding their hand as he slouched over.  When George Washington saw my daughter he just grabbed her and loved on her.  They kissed each other on the cheeks, and they chatted for a long time.  He turned to us and said, "Be on your way, I'll spend the rest of the night with her."  My daughter just couldn't get enough.  Another cool thing, was the Mansion was totally open.  So you could wander at your own pace.  We just loved it.   I had some incredible conversations with some of the docents about George Washington.. I'm learning so much, as is my family!
Today, we headed for DC.  I thought we had a tour, but the Secret Service politely reminded me I did not.  OOPS!!! It was actually Wednesday.  My family was super flexible!  Then my daughter's stroller wheel popped... oh boy.  We walked about a mile and a half with a flat to get it fixed!!!  Then we walked to the White House again and just took it in.  It was my first time that close, my girls second.  It is a great house.  We then walked to the First Infantry of WWII monument.  Then onto the Washington Monument.  We then headed over to the Smithsonian American History Museum.  Incredible.  Incredible.  We spent three hours  and I saw half of the museum(we are going back).  The displays are incredible.  I really cannot capture it in this blog. Saw the flag that flew at Fort McHenry (inspired the Star Spangled Banner).  Saw Lincoln's hat the night he was assassinated.  So on...  You will see some pictures.  I wish all my friends, family and students were there today.  We then walked out to the National Mall (big grass area) and just walked.  Wherever you look, you see a famous monument.  It was a crisp fall day in DC and it was amazing walking around.  By this point in our journey we had walked about 5 miles, so we wanted to reward my daughter for how awesome she had been.  She walked a ton, got carried, shoulder rides, took a nap.. She was awesome.  So we took her to the Merry-go-round on the National Mall.  She loved it.  We then went to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum... incredible!  I can't think of another word.  My daughter and I went on two planes.  Everywhere you look see famous planes.  "Spirit of St. Louis", the first plane to cross the Atlantic Ocean with Charles Lindhberg at the helm.  We then walked back and are at home after dinner.  The bed is going to be my next stop.  It's 7:55 pm here.  Yep, we are tired!!! Enjoy!!!